Socceroos squad for Germany

Australia's coach Guus Hiddink has sprung three major surprises in his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in Germany.What do you think of the team? Can the Socceroos advance to the next round of the tournament?

Posted
by SMH OnlineMay 10, 2006 11:13 PM

LATEST COMMENTS

Mark Milligan is an excellent choice. good to see Hiddink take a gambke with a talented teenager.

Posted by: Ramzy on May 10, 2006 11:19 PM

Who would have thought there would be two (three, if you add Archie Thompson) A-league players on the flight to Germany. That's a massive boost to the local game.

Posted by: Jim Smith on May 10, 2006 11:20 PM

Go Joshua! Australia's answer to Peter Crouch has arrived. what an interesting selection.

Posted by: Gilly on May 10, 2006 11:43 PM

I'm disappointed for Brett Holman. He proved in the Bahrain game that he has something different. Surely would have been a better choice than Wilkshire.

Posted by: Footeroo on May 10, 2006 11:45 PM

I tip the Roos to make the round of 16. after that, anything's possible.

Posted by: Webber on May 10, 2006 11:59 PM

Milligan didn't come as a big surprise - It was, afterall, The Herald's Cockrill who was going on about "the prospects of him getting a call-up" three days prior to the announcement! I don't know how Kisnorbo has been doing at Leciester, but you have to feel sorry for the lad.

Posted by: fergus on May 11, 2006 12:48 AM

Why take a gamble on a relative kid when you've got a player like Ljubo Milicevic - a perfect defensive alternative - fit, in good form, and coming off a year which saw him play a major role for his club, including games against Arsenal and Ajax in the Champions League.

Milligan might be good, but he's played 10 A-league games and has virtually no international experience.

That's not a gamble when you're talking about using someone as defensive cover for Neill, Popovic, Moore or Chipperfield, it's reckless.

Posted by: Serious? on May 11, 2006 1:34 AM

where is elrich? sterjovski is a joke!

Posted by: rich on May 11, 2006 2:32 AM

I feel sorry for Ljubo Milicevic. things were on the up for him especially with some stron perfomances in the early stage of the CL. But since then and also how he missed a training FOR HIS BROTHER'S WEDDING, he hasn't got chosen since...

Posted by: jo on May 11, 2006 3:27 AM

Michael thwaite should have been in there. The kid is the whole package and has no fear. Beuchamp is a pretender. Milligan is a good choice, that kid is limber.
Scoop: Roos will make it to the quarters.

This borrito is delicious but filling.

Posted by: Captain rules on May 11, 2006 3:34 AM

Coming from a Kiwi, I think the the team looks a reasonable shot, if they can get through the group stage then who knows what could happen, Good luck Australia.

Posted by: Nick the Kiwi on May 11, 2006 6:46 AM

I was hoping my nephew Pat McOcknow may have got a call up. He hs been working hard for his cluib, Glasgow Dynamo, and is the league's leading scorer.

Posted by: Phil McAvitee on May 11, 2006 6:54 AM

I thought Milligan gave his man too much space (on the few occasions) when he played for Sydney FC this year. And he only ever looked to pass to Dwight Yorke. Let's hope Guus gets him playing tighter and works on his distribution.

I'm glad Stan got the nod. He's the only one in the squad who can hit a decent cross and could link usefully with Tim Cahil (if he's fit - and maybe the new German-based striker) who's one of the best in the air in the Premier League in the air

Posted by: giorgio on May 11, 2006 7:30 AM

The defence worries me. Popovic a dead weight at this level. loss of Vidmar is terrible. Moore has been out for what seems years. I think I would have taken Thwaite.

We'll need the Skoko's and Grella's to do incredible holding roles in midfield.

Posted by: Peter Warrington on May 11, 2006 8:00 AM

Brad Jones should have been the third choice keeper. He's the future of our goalkeeping stocks with Kalac, Schwarzer and Covic all getting on. He should be capped ASAP as England are all over him.

Posted by: Matt on May 11, 2006 8:23 AM

Big congrats to the Mariners Michael Beauchamp. All of the Central Coast are behind you mate. Well done!

Posted by: Amy on May 11, 2006 8:38 AM

I have to say Milicevic should feel very dissapointed. Having played in the Champion's League this season and performing well for Thun, I would of thought that would of been enough. As for Milligan... good on him. But anyone who saw the Aussies in FIFA youth World Cup in Holland 2005 would of seen a badly outclassed team, including Milligan. Thwaite is also unlucky.

Posted by: Simon on May 11, 2006 8:40 AM

I am dumfounded that I did not make the squad.

I played exceptionally well in my league game last week for the Forest Rangers firsts of Peakhurst.

Posted by: Adam on May 11, 2006 8:48 AM

I hope Sterjovski has improved sharply. The last several times I've watched him did nothing to suggest to me he should be in the squad. His lack of pace and vision make him a liability at international level. Given the composition of the squad, it might have been better to pick an out and out attacker with some pace (Griffiths? McAllister?) than a pedestrian player like Sterjovski.

Posted by: kywong73 on May 11, 2006 8:50 AM

Inclusion of Mile Sterjovski is a joke.

He has not had one good game in the green and gold.

He is a donkey! fullstop!

Won't matter anyway cause all he'll be doing is picking splinters from his backside all game.

But it would've been good to see another youngster in there instead. Not a an old hack.

Posted by: Trev on May 11, 2006 8:53 AM

Australia do not stand a hope in hell! At best they get a draw with Japan but will lose to Brazil and Croatia. I just do not think the squad has the depth.

Posted by: Solly on May 11, 2006 9:01 AM

Unlucky for Michael Thwaite... not sure if he's injured and was aware of trouble with his club in Europe, but he was the most impressive defender I saw in the qualifiers. Very unlucky to miss out.

Posted by: Joey on May 11, 2006 9:04 AM

The Aussies are going to do what the Greeks did at euro 2004.
They are going to surprise the world and........
The aussies are going to win the world cup 2006 in Germany.

AUSSIE OLE AUSSIE OLE AUSSIE OLE OLE OLE OLE OLE

Posted by: Spidey on May 11, 2006 9:10 AM

...speaking of local players, I was surprised by the omission of Alvin Ceccoli. A robust defender with attacking ability at the peak of his powers - he may of come in handy, but hey what would I know.

Posted by: stoo on May 11, 2006 9:13 AM

Wouldn't it be good if, when the FFA announced the squad, they could have identified where each of the players started with in junior football? Something like 'Harry Kewell, Liverpool and Green Valley Under 7s' (or wherever it was). That would have made every Saturday morning player, coach and parent very proud indeed.

Posted by: bill p on May 11, 2006 9:18 AM

15 players form the base of our squad.

I believe we dont offer much in an attacking sense in the middle of the pack outside of the definite choices bresc, cahill, culina, kewell etc....

Elrich and holman are very unlucky. Wilkshire and sterjovski are very questionable choices.

Milicevic has performed well all season and has clubs all over the world lining up, another defender has barely made his 2nd division team as well as battled injury throughout

Our attacking ability with the substitute mids remain a concern

I hope im wrong however!

Posted by: Joseph on May 11, 2006 9:26 AM

I agree with the selection of Kennedy, but for some reason I would've picked Agostino instead. Going for youth is the right option though. I think that Milicevic probably did enough to get a spot.

Posted by: adbags on May 11, 2006 9:41 AM

Im very pleased with the squad and micheal Beucamp is an excellent backup defender. Also Josh Kennedy is really tall and could trouble the Japanese in the first game. We will make the round of 16.

Posted by: Jimmy on May 11, 2006 9:46 AM

Delighted that Milligan has been given a chance the kid is a real prospect with genuine defensive instincts unlike Milicevic who is the worst defender I have ever seen in international football. great to see the A league get a boost but would have liked the mobile intelligent goalscoring Heffernan in there but then I would be showing my Mariners bias wouldn't I?

Posted by: michael flanagan on May 11, 2006 10:02 AM

It's a brilliant squad to say the least and they will advance to quater finals.

To those so called quasi supporters of the Aussie side and not would rather support another nation cause of there origins, wake up and support Australia u live in this country and born here, u should be wearing the Green Gold...not the Azzuri or Red White checks.

Geez we'll have 14 players on the pitch when we play Croatia, i WONDER IF THOSE 3 AUSSIES WHO PLAY FOR CROATIA WILL SING ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR!!! Thanx for Coming.

Cheers

Posted by: Versace on May 11, 2006 10:08 AM

good squad, but it looks as though they'll be playing dukes up front with help from cahill. surely you'd play aloisi with the v-bomber; unstoppable!

popovic is unstable at the back and loses it too easily; slow, poor control, he was v. lucky.

Posted by: blazer on May 11, 2006 10:09 AM

Cowabunga dudes!
Good squad picked by Guus. A win against Japan and the whole of the nation will jump on the bandwagon and the sport will continue to skyrocket.

Posted by: Bart on May 11, 2006 10:15 AM

In all honesty,this is the best team we could have picked. One player who has lit the A-league alight is Archie, but after that he has done nothing.As we all know Australia has 15 players that can be considered good enough, it will be time for the fringe players to stand up and be counted.

Posted by: fort on May 11, 2006 10:18 AM

I would have taken young Brad Jones of Boro or John Filan of Wigan as 3rd choice keeper. What does poor Filan have to do to win his first Australian cap. He was consistant for Wigan in the top tier of English football (in a team Skoko couldn't break into!). Patrick Kisnorbo has been a regular for Leicester this season and was instrumental in their revival during the second half of the season. He only missed the Bahrain game because his club wouldn't release him...

Posted by: Rodney on May 11, 2006 10:28 AM

Alvin should consider himself very unlucky.

Matt your a goose. Can't you see the Jones-England thing was all a beat up to get him selected for Australia?

He's time will come.

Posted by: Charlie on May 11, 2006 10:29 AM

The fringe selections are only controversial to the players who missed out. It shouldn't have a large effect on our world cup hopes. My only concern is our lack of experience at that level, especially against battle hardened teams. Brazil are the best team in the world and have been belted around all by all of South America - they are ready. Japan are the best team in Asia and have been belted around by all the Asian teams - they are ready. Croatia had to qualify through Europe and have also gone through their strides. We beat Uruguay once in penalties and have a friendly against Greece as a warm up. I hope the boys are ready for Germany. Fire up Socceroos!!

Posted by: Shtinetime on May 11, 2006 10:41 AM

alvin ceccoli should have been included... He had a great season with Sydney FC

Posted by: stoichkov on May 11, 2006 10:49 AM

They really should have taken Ljubo Milicevic. If Moore or Neil gets hurt (or they play Neil at right back) then the slowest man in football Tony Popovic is the only one with has any real international experience. For sentimential value they should have also brought back Aurelio Vidmar

Posted by: Aurelio for germany on May 11, 2006 10:50 AM

As if Guus doesn't know what he's doing. The squad is perfect, cuz he picked it.

Posted by: jon on May 11, 2006 11:00 AM

Who would have thought there would be two (three, if you add Archie Thompson) A-league players on the flight to Germany. That's a massive boost to the local game.

* Posted by: Jim Smith at May 10, 2006 11:20 PM

Or four, if you also add Dwight Yorke

Posted by: Trevor Tee on May 11, 2006 11:11 AM

The squad looks pretty good but I'm still concerned about our defence with Tony Popovic being so slow and struggling to play regularly for Crystal Palace. Probably a blessing in disguise though that Tony Vidmar is ruled out - despite his gutsy effort versus Uruguay - because he was getting a little old. By the way, Craig Moore has been doing well for Newcastle for the past 6 weeks or so - he's looking sharp so at least that's a positive.

Posted by: jason on May 11, 2006 11:29 AM

Who cares it's only soccer. Nothing better than sitting in front of the TV for 90+ minutes watching a "gripping nil all draw" !

Yaaawwwnnn !

Posted by: BB on May 11, 2006 11:38 AM

In response to the comment "The Aussies are going to do what the Greeks did at euro 2004", I disagree. I'd rather lose and at least make the next world cup. Something that Greece wouldn't know.

Posted by: Alan Zeino on May 11, 2006 11:39 AM

I know I will probably get my head bitten off for saying this, but I sincerely think this side can either beat or at least draw with Brazil. The others Japan (Champs of Asia - Big Deal) and Croatia (Good in 98 but well past their best) should be pushovers.

Therefore I think we could very well top our group and go on to bigger and better things. I'm actually expecting at least a Semi Final finish to keep Guus's fine World Cup record up.

Go the SOCCEROOS!!! Please don't adopt any of those terrible songs off that SBS show as an Anthem!!!

Posted by: Wanimac on May 11, 2006 11:41 AM

We're looking thin at the back, but I 'm certain Grella and/or Skoko will be used as a 5th defender, sitting infront of the back four.

CAN'T WAIT! Win or lose... it's gonna be a BLAST!

Posted by: Astroboy on May 11, 2006 12:02 PM

A very good Australian team. Go the Aussies, you beautyyyyyy......

Posted by: sydnios on May 11, 2006 12:18 PM

Good choices from Guus.
The only thing I would have done differently is I would have taken Milicevic at the expense of Wilkshire.
I like the unexpected choices of Milligan & Kennedy. They'll be stars for our next World Cup Campaign.

Posted by: benw on May 11, 2006 12:26 PM

Sterjovski ? What an ABSOLUTE JOKE !!

He's been nothing but useless for our country anytime that he has been selected, despite whatever club form he is in. They should have taken someone else there with a eye to the future.

Great for the A-League players and for the league as a whole to see Beauchamp and Milligan there. Here's hoping that they bring their experiences back for the betterment of the league.

A heartfelt thought goes out to Tony Vidmar - this should have been the crowning glory on a wonderful career and years of selfless and fully committed service to his country. Tony, all the best and may you live to be 100. Thanks for everything !

Posted by: Man On The Bench on May 11, 2006 12:43 PM

I don't know why so many people are so confident Australia will beat Japan, or even think it's our best chance to get our win. Japan is consistently ranked one of the top 20 teams in the world and also above Croatia. I think we need to give them a little more respect and focus on getting those 3 points against Croatia which is a definitely possible since many of the squad have European experience. Asian football has progressed rapidly and is far beyond the level it was even 5 years ago.

Posted by: Scott on May 11, 2006 12:48 PM

Seriously, does anyone who knows anything about football really think Australia will get to the round of 16??? Gees.

Posted by: Anon on May 11, 2006 12:53 PM

Rooney Injured - Saves him getting sent off.

Ericksson seems determined to destroy whatever slim chance England had of winning the cup. Good on ya Sven!

If Holland can get through the first round they'll be tough to beat.

Posted by: Jubal1 on May 11, 2006 1:00 PM

It's a pretty standard selection. The core group of players are as expected, and the others, the ones who may not even play, are the only suprises. Kennedy is a good pick, and the experience will be good for Milligan. Oh, and filan has already been capped

Posted by: just some guy on May 11, 2006 1:04 PM

So, anyone want to take a punt on the Socceroo captaincy?

Hiddink said he had "something in mind" but wouldn't elaborate.

Stick with Viduka, back to Moore, someone new... a rotating position??

Posted by: bell on May 11, 2006 1:06 PM

Who cares about on the squad thats picked. What really counts is that we're going to Germany. It was always clear from the start that our hope lies with our European based players so the additional players named in the squad are merely there to make up the numbers!! Its unlikely that they will get quality play time anyway.

Posted by: Nick on May 11, 2006 1:07 PM

Guus has gone for a few surprises a la England's Sven - a couple of youngsters who have nothing to lose and the youth to feel no fear. Good move added to an already strong squad and shows you can get in there from any league in the world.

Posted by: Ruud riposte on May 11, 2006 1:12 PM

I don't understand the fascination with Ante Covic. Jones or even filan should have been there ahead of him. Covic wasnt very impressive against bahrain and the otehr two have proven themselves in arguably the worlds best league.

Popovic, Sterjovski, and Lazaridis are a bit questionable. Stan and popa have struggled to make the field for second teir class english teams and are too old. Milicevic should have been there for sure.

I dont mind picking young players like wilkshire but he does play for a struggler in englands 3rd teir - there are so many other aussies who are playing at the same or a better level who aren't in the team. What about Dave Carney, kinsorbo, Garcia, etc?

Posted by: Azza on May 11, 2006 1:19 PM

i think the only real question mark is sterjovski. he has looked very pedestrian every time i have seen him play, not really good enough as a striker a winger or a midfielder.

would have preferred to see either elrich or holman, both have the pace to be effective as a sub.

i would like to think thwaite would have got a ticket if he had been playing regularly, but other than that, can't complain.

milicevic is an awesome talent, but makes some terrible defensive mistakes. a possible future socceroo captain, but he hasn't done enough with his chances in the green and gold. yes, he played against arsenal in the CL, but remind me who bergkamp made a goose of in the dying minutes?

the only other one who has been under the radar is mckain. has never let anyone down when playing for the national team. if he wasn't playing in romania, he'd have been in with a better shot you'd think.

(am more than happy to eat my words when sterjovski strolls past 6 brazilians to make it one nil in the 93rd minute ...)

Posted by: Duncan from Glenhaven on May 11, 2006 1:23 PM

What a waste of a selection is Milligan! Almost as bad as Walcott!

I think Mr. Lowy may have had something to do with that, not that he has a conflict of interest at all (wink, wink)

Posted by: Omni on May 11, 2006 1:31 PM

I was hoping my nephew Pat McOcknow may have got a call up. He hs been working hard for his cluib, Glasgow Dynamo, and is the league's leading scorer.

Posted by: Phil McAvitee at May 11, 2006 06:54 AM

How about Phil McRacken? He's been putting in some good performances for the Hibs u/21 squad?

Posted by: Trevor on May 11, 2006 1:31 PM

At least the 'surprises' will add a bit of much needed pace to the squad. The Aussie defence will get ripped up by the speedy and skillful Brazillians and Croatians. Popovic is a joke, the others are merely solid at best, although Neil is pretty good but not quick on his feet. Lazarides best days are well past too, he is far too slow to offer a threat these days. There is a bit of pace and class in attack but it's no good if you keep conceding goals. Knocked out in the group stage I'm afraid.

Posted by: Vinny on May 11, 2006 1:32 PM

The squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth. Some selections that have been discussed:

1. Having Moore back is massive. Those criticising his selection on this forum have obviously not been watching Newcastle's climb up the PL table.

2. Michael Beauchamp will be the rising star of the tournament. Other clubs will be filthy that Nuremburg have already expressed interest.

3. Sterjokski was very lucky just as Elrich was unlucky. Thwaite was also unlucky with not being able to play due to paperwork issues. However, in Guus we trust - he knows more than any of us in picking talent!

See you all at Kaiserslautern where we will beat Japan 3-0!

Posted by: Gary Bakerloo on May 11, 2006 1:53 PM

The australian team will go no where, it will be 0-3 on the table, not scoring a single goal and conceeding 10.
You were very lucky to get there so take it as a gift and get over it.
We will be world champions again and again.

Posted by: Brazil on May 11, 2006 2:23 PM

Ljubo Milicevic is very unlucky not to have been picked. He is the captain of FC Thun in Switzerland and played Champions League football with them this year. With all due respect to Miligan, Ljubo had great cause to come in to replace Vidmar.

On that though Guus has always liked to have a youthful flavour in his sides and Miligan fits that bill perfectly after a stellar end the the A-League season with Sydney FC.

Overall I think this is a very strong squad.

Posted by: Pete on May 11, 2006 2:28 PM

I don't have the greatest confidence in MArk Schwarzer.

He is a shot stopper and lacks the ability to read set plays. (CORNERS)

Bring on Zeljko Kalac

Posted by: DANZA on May 11, 2006 2:32 PM

For all those people who think Alvin should be included are in dreamland. We have two perfect capable players in Chipperfield and Lazaridis that can provide us with defensive and attacking options down the left.

Also for all those who think Milicevic should be in, granted he played well in CL in the early stages, but unless you are avid followers of the Swiss league can you really say that the selectors who have watched all players have got it wrong.

So lets hope they got it right and the boys do us proud... bring on the all-nighters in June I cant wait.

Go the Socceroo's!!!!

Posted by: Aussie Guus on May 11, 2006 2:58 PM

It's been said before and i'll say it again.

Craig Moore, Tony Popovic....

The slowest defenders in the game.

Japan and Brazil will run rings around them.

Give Milligan and Beauchamp starting spots Gus !

Posted by: TimF on May 11, 2006 3:05 PM

Australia will win the world cup because they are the best at everything, including accussing the opposition of cheating to win.

Posted by: trevor on May 11, 2006 3:27 PM

Milligan is a great choice as he gives the backs added pace. Plus he is young which will add to his overall development for future socceroo sqauds.
I do agree witht he masses that Sterjovski is a joke. As some bloke put it a "donkey".

I guess guus stuck to his word, he wanted people playing regular top class football and that is why the likes of elrich missed out. Unlucky to Milicevic cant understand the exclusion, he is slow, but he could of replaced poppa instead.

Posted by: Andrew on May 11, 2006 3:30 PM

I'm confused... Is this the same Milligan I have seen playing for Sydney F.C all season? The guy who cant pass/tackle/kick. Maybe I've woken up in a parallel universe or something. Sydney F.C's defense was a shambles this year, Milligan was at the heart of it.
Otherwise, a great squad. Dont want to be negative but surely we could do better than Milligan for back up.

Posted by: Tim on May 11, 2006 3:51 PM

hmmm..I fancied Carney to have a crack at it..he has oodles of talent.Bit concerned about the selection of Popovic too as he isn't at the top of his game these days and a bit reckless.I can't wait for the Japan match so I can see the tension on both sides.Craig Moore is back with a vengeance but the Japanese are FAST!

Posted by: DazzaInJapan on May 11, 2006 4:23 PM

I can't see Hiddink's team keeping up with Japan or keeping out Brazil's quartet. I've seen milk turn faster than a couple of those defenders.

The game against Croatia will be a hot contest but the experienced european campaigners are likely to have too much guile for what will no doubt be a very tired Australia come game 3.

I'm afraid 0-3 will be the final outcome.

Posted by: ivan on May 11, 2006 4:25 PM

Overall- good squad
Sterjovski...do me a favour. Every time he's played for Australia he has looked downright ordinary. The absolute opposite can be said for Ahmad Elrich. Luke Wilkshire is another dodgy choice.

Posted by: stephano on May 11, 2006 5:56 PM

Thought Filan and Jones were unlucky? I know Wigan and Middlesborough .. couldn't tell you a thing about Hammarby.

Hoping the back three will be Neill Moore and Chipperfield cause I am worried about Poppa. A tactical switch wasn't the only reason he got dragged.

Elrich has only got his manager to blame for missing out on the squad. Instead of staying in Korea where he would have had regular first team action he went to Fulham and couldn't cut it (speculation he will be offloaded in the off season). Left it too late to go out on loan. Guus had said all along he would only pick players playing regular first team. Dont get me wrong, good player just got bad advice.

Posted by: Shane on May 11, 2006 6:08 PM

It's great to see so much optimism and support behind our boys. With one of the world's finest fairytale coaches, we have certainly stepped up a notch or three.

There's so much talk about our attacking, but really against sides like gritty Croatia, fanciful Brazil and the pacey Japanese, we should be worried about conceding goals. The loss of Vidmar has certinaly created some backchat - most of the comments on this page refer to the defensive choices.

Whatever Guus has up his sleeve, let's hope it's some airtight defensive play with deadly counter-attacks up the lines.

We are lucky to be pitted against Greece and especially Holland in the friendlies. The Roos will find out what it's like to defend world-class attacks, and realise they won't get away with brashly having at 'em.

A strong win over Liechtenstein will ensure confidence going into the match with Japan 2 days later. Japan beat Ecuador and have lost to Bulgaria in their friendlies - we need to watch them closely against Scotland, Germany and Malta.

Croatia are full of beans after beating Argentina, but we should also take heed from their matches against Austria, Iran, Poland and Spain. Both Japan and Croatia will have had better preparation than us, especially with Cahill out for all the 'friendlies'.

Playing Brazil in the world cup is probably every man's dream and worst nightmare rolled into one. The good thing is, we wouldn't face them again until the final if we do progress. With only 2 warmups - the narrow win over Russia and a match against the kiwis, they are looking a bit cocky. The match will be a great experience for the Roos, especially the young blood who will benefit most in years to come.

What we really need is Japan to Draw with Croatia. If we can manage to defend a win over Japan and muscle Croatia out in midfield, then we just might make it through. However, we would have to play the winner of Group D: Most likely Italy, Czech or even Ghana. A tough ask, considering the striking power of these teams. Should we manage it through this hurdle, we have a seemingly easier task against the winners of groups F and G, most likely France, Spain or Ukraine.

One thing's for sure, the more games we play, the better off we'll be for future Cups and the more support we'll rally behind Australian soccer. Maybe it's about time we started calling it football and joined the rest of the world at the table.

Dark horse picks: Portugal, Ivory Coast and of course Austraya :)

Posted by: Woody B on May 11, 2006 6:33 PM

Let's face it guys: Vidmar is 35 and hardly a solid defender to handle speedy forwards. i say go with beauchamp, less experienced but more technically aware.

Posted by: Giles on May 11, 2006 7:07 PM

CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH THE MATCHES ON MY 51 INCH PLASMA WITH DIGITALBOX, VB STUBBY IN ONE HAND AND THE REMOTE IN THE OTHER, WITH ME MATES OVER BRINGING THE HOUSE DOWN WITH THEIR CHEERS =)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETING TEAMS, ALTHOUGH F*** THE ARROGANT TEAMS LIKE U KNOW WHICH ONES..

GOOOO SOCCEROOS !!!!!!

GO SHOWEM GUS !!!!!

Posted by: worldcupfan on May 11, 2006 9:00 PM

Disappointed that Elrich didn't make the squad - I would have picked him ahead of Sterjovski but he hasn't figured too much for Fulham this season. Chipperfield? Not sure but he's an honest player. I certainly would not have taken Emerton who's been riding on performances of the dim and distant past

Posted by: Dave on May 11, 2006 9:28 PM

What an exciting and unpredictable group !! Nothing that happens in this group will surprise me.Japan has modelled their football on the Brazilian method .Can the pupils defeat the masters?Definetly.Brazil peaked last year at the Confed cup.Lately they have been rusty.They could win the group or be eliminated.Either would not be a surprise to me.

Croatia has the class to proceed but their arrogance could cause them to flop.
I have left the Aussies to last because they are the most unpredictable.
It wouldn't surprise me if they scrape through in second place or be eliminated after two games.They even have the capacity to win the group.
I'll be there hoping this happens.

Posted by: john on May 11, 2006 9:29 PM

Someone's expressed some doubts about Craig Moore: Don't worry - be happy. He's had a good run at the Toon and has been responsible for putting some steel and organisation into a wobbly and disorganised defence.

Posted by: dave on May 11, 2006 9:32 PM

Squad looks reasonably strong. Keepers arent an issue, defence looks a little shakey, midfield is super strong as with the attack. That said, we need our top 13 players fit for the whole tournament...Aus to make 2nd round...

BB - you're a w@nker...Go back and watch your meathead rubgy games.

Posted by: Ads on May 11, 2006 9:58 PM

Oh, and I'll be in Germany with tickets to all the Aus games!!!

Posted by: Ads on May 11, 2006 10:00 PM

It's a top squad and with any ;uck we should qualify 2nd behind Brazil. I live in Japan and follow the national team. Make no mistake they are in disarray at the moment. Zico was a great player to watch but he is a terrible manager and has no idea about what players to pick. Miyamoto is the captain and central defender, good looking, well spoken, a good leader and charismatic, but he is a very average player. He makes crucial errors regularly and I can see Viduka tearing him apart. Alex is a Brazilian tunred Japanese attacking winger that Zico has turned into a fullback, but he has shown again and again that he is not a good defender.Other defenders Takata and Tsuboi are error prone. Their midfield has lots of prima doner show pnies (Nakata Nakamura Inamoto, but no-one to get stuck in and do the dirty work. The Japanese strikers have been branded the chokaholics by the forieng media here and against Bulgaria they showed why, spurning chance after chance.

Croatia's top players are not playing at the same level as ours so with some luck we should get past them and maybe even nick a point over Brazil. have faith lads we're in for a great ride.

See you in kaiserslauten!

Posted by: Bevan on May 11, 2006 10:48 PM

I can't understand why Hiddink insists on using Viduka. No talent, flair or speed. I watched him play for Boro against Sevilla and yet again kept shaking my head. What was he doing on the pitch ? Can someone please tell me when he has done something inventive ? Please Guus, give someone else a go. Anybody would do. Good to see Milligan on the squad. Go the Aussies - it's been a long wait.

Posted by: Gus Halbwirth on May 12, 2006 12:30 AM

We are celebrating a golden era in Australian football and this is really a great squad which all Australian's should be proud of.
All in all the squad picked itself though i do feel Milicevic is desperately unlucky (i would have taken him instead of Popa) and my heart breaks for Tony Vidmar.
To reach the finals has already been an outstanding performance. Its now time to shock the world!

Posted by: Anthony in Singapore on May 12, 2006 12:56 AM

Viduka was poor in the uefa cup final. missed a sitter in front of goal. he better find his scoring boots if aussies are to advance.

Posted by: Diego on May 12, 2006 2:57 AM

Simple, with Tony out they should have chosed the great AURELIO VIDMAR, who with a bit of luck would have almost singlehandedly got us into the world cup before last. People single him out for criticism but he got into match winning positions time and time again. What a champ.

Also, with a shortage of defenders, why not give memhmet durakovic a call up from the meat yards. He could do to Ronaldinho what he did to Papin.

Posted by: king warbo on May 12, 2006 4:08 AM

I really think Ray Baartz should have got a call up!!!!
and possibly Mark Bosnich as keeper.....thats if he isnt off playing in the 'snow'!!

Posted by: The Beaver on May 12, 2006 8:50 AM

Let's hope Josh Kennedy is not English for Max Vieri.
Elrich and Milocevic were really hard done by. Elrich has never let the country down. Sterjovski and Wilkshire have never looked the goods. Without Vidmar you would think Milocevic' experience would be wanted.
But the coaching team has done everything right so far, so no-one has the right criticise.

Posted by: Mr Pink on May 12, 2006 8:59 AM

Lazaridis(best is well gone) and Milligan(rash challenges passing could be better) are fairly lucky lads and young Kennedy, well I fear football will become route one with Crouch and Kennedy and the croatian team have a big lad up front as well. What does Alvin Ceccoli have to do. He was a star for Sydney in the A league and in his game in the world club championship. Solid, has pace and adds something at set pieces.
Great to have Moore back but am concerned with Poppa. It was time to be ruthless not give guys a free holiday. Im sure the mind still works well but the legs just cant get there.
regardless I will be supporting the entire squad. Get in there boys!!!!!

Posted by: Andrew on May 12, 2006 9:11 AM

Great to see 4 A League players in the squad - Milligan, Thomson and Michael Bee-Chum and Michael Bo-shom

Posted by: michael on May 12, 2006 9:44 AM

I question Milligan being in the squad. I'm not sure if a couple of months in the NSW state league is good enough preparation for a world cup? The main reason though why he got picked ahead of Milicevic is because he's more versatile - he plays well in both midfield and defence. I wish him all the best.

Posted by: Hardman on May 12, 2006 9:48 AM

Don't be too ahrd on Sterjovski - I agree I haven't seen him do much for Aus but when I saw him I think Farina had him in the middle of a front three and I don't think that's his best position. Against Iraq or Indonesia (can't remember which) he was basically a target man and was hopeless, not least because he didn't seem like a massive guy. On paper he finished the year well with his club so why not give him the chance? Elrich and Emerton seem relatively similar sorts of players so I think we're better off with Sterjovski. Though I liked the look of Brett Holman against Bahrain, maybe he should've been given the nod.

Posted by: Ben on May 12, 2006 9:51 AM

Well you might like to know that there has been considerable disagreement over the comment by David Moyes over Australian 'witch doctors'. You may also care to note that at the last Everton game of the season I saw about ten people wearing Aussie soccer shirts with Cahill on the back. I think we need to be realistic about our chances of progressing much further than the first three games.

Posted by: Robert Balmain on May 12, 2006 10:26 AM

At the end of the day, the Socceroos will be hammered. I hope I am wrong but all we can ask is that each player gives 100%, which I know they will. "Bon chance" Australia !

Posted by: BB on May 12, 2006 10:48 AM

brazil
you are a shocker mate. I dont really see how we are lucky. In a twoleg matach we beat uraguay (no 17 in the world) Its not like we got any lucky decisions.
Australia is completely and utterly a rugby and cricket country, in brazil soccer is the ONLY game. i dont think brazil will EVER beat Australia in any of out national sports. Whereas the last time Australia and Brazil played, we won! So shut your south american mouth, and dont ever get in a fight with an aussie, cos we are better than you their as well. You a good at soccer, that is it! You better hope Brazil dont lose to Australia in the world cup, as i will be tracking you down to rub your face in it.

Posted by: james on May 12, 2006 10:48 AM

Beauchamp and Milligan are OK, not great. If they are there for the experience only then that will be good for them. If we need some cover in defence I would have gone for McKain & Thwaite, they are a little more experienced. Kisnorbo may have been a better choice also.
At the end of the day it will only be 16 or so who play, hopefully we don't see any injuries or suspensions.

Posted by: Brickowski on May 12, 2006 10:51 AM

Australia's Big 4 need to Fire: Harry kewell,Mark Viduka,Tim Cahill & marco Bresciano. If these guys peform they will make it into the 2nd round !

Posted by: henry on May 12, 2006 11:47 AM

I love Viduka. Contrary to previous comments, has has the most creative ability and talent in the squad.

Unfortunately he cant score for Australia.

Viduka's goal tally for World Cup : 0

Look for someone like Cahill or Bresciano to send us through to the 2nd round.

C'mon boys !!

Posted by: TimF on May 12, 2006 11:54 AM

a response to Gus Halbwirth on Viduka: 'Can someone please tell me when he has done something inventive?': ok. how about a back-heel that nutmegged the uruguay captain, setting up kewell who created (admitedly with a miskick) the goal that drew us level in sydney. yes he can appear pedestrian when ruffled by tough defenders, but to be fair viduka got no decent service against seville.

Posted by: jimmymac on May 12, 2006 12:19 PM

Lazaridis, for heaven's sake, he hardly played all season and his game is to run up the wing and cross it, not really Guus' . Doubt he's fast enaugh these days. Praying the bosses know what they're doing.

Posted by: pbedo on May 12, 2006 12:25 PM

Good encouraging comments Bevan, especially about Japan whom I fear most against Australia. It's probably true what they say that brilliant players seldom make great coaches

Posted by: pbedo on May 12, 2006 12:35 PM

Mark Bresciano (he's "Mark" in Italy and on the passport as well) is my hope to pull a cheeky goal against Croatia or Brasil...Serie A players are best experienced to score against Euro and Latin American sides. Worried about our lack of them. On the other hand, if Kewell bags a few on the weekend and shows he's back on a scoring streak...

Posted by: verdeoro on May 12, 2006 12:53 PM

Can't argue with most selections, but don't know what Milligan did to get into the squad. Players like Filan, McKain, Milicevic, Carney and Elrich will all feel unlucky to have missed out.

Croatia and Japan ARE eminently beatable, make no mistake. Secound round at least backons.

Posted by: David V. on May 12, 2006 1:18 PM

I personally couldn't understand how Milicevic was overlooked considering the season he had with Thun. He would have been a better choice than popovic who is way past his best and also lacking reguilar game time and speed. I applaud Milligan and Beauchamp being selected. Can't understand why Sterjovski was picked either from memory his performances have not been the best of late

Posted by: Chris on May 12, 2006 1:30 PM

In Guss we trust. No comment on the team as the coaching staff would have done more homework and investigation than a high school put together.

Its all about formulating a strategy now for each nation we will be playing in the group stage so we can get through. This is what Guss is good at and the boys can do it with good tactical preparation. Our games against Greece and Holland will be a good indicator how well the team is working.

Our defence is our achilles heel and if that area of our team is fixed than we are a damned good chance to go through and possibly win the bloody thing.

I will be there with my mates at each game giving our boys the best we can. lets go all the way and shut the pessimists up.

Posted by: Gorby on May 12, 2006 1:39 PM

The Japanese squad have a history of performing abysmally when they play in Europe.

So, the crucial game is with Croatia. Thankfully, our guys have a lot of insider information.

Forget the FIFA rankings, their low-ranking didn't do the South Koreans any harm back in 2002. The Socceroos are some of the fittest players in the game - they'll surprise and plus, they have a lot of motivation to. Not only with Guus on-board, we haven't been there in 32 years. They'll make it worth everyone's while.

Go Socceroos!

Posted by: J on May 12, 2006 1:40 PM

Every team needs its engine room. Look at Chelsea and consider them with Makelele. Its as simple as that. We have our superstars but the way that we will make the second round is by not conceding goals. Guus will be playing for a goalless draw against Brazil - ie counterattack when possible with Kewel's speed.

Posted by: Matthew on May 12, 2006 1:45 PM

Milligan is a smart defeneder. He caught my eye playing for sydney fc. good going up, solid in tackle. having him there is great for the future of the Roos.

Posted by: Christofer on May 12, 2006 1:45 PM

Brazil
We may as well give you the Cup and go home. Why bother having a World Cup at all, eh? Anyway, it's been 36 years since you played jogo bonito. There will never be another Brazil with Pele, Jairzinho, et al.

BTW, Ronaldo is looking a little fat these days. Doesnt look too hungry. Must be all the pampering at Real. Hope Ronaldinho can do it all himself??????

BB
Why wast your time on this blog?
Too much time to waste? If you've got time to waste on blogs that have nothing to do with you (...yawn), then you certainly have time to enjoy a football match.

Posted by: tsiklas on May 12, 2006 1:46 PM

It isn't such an unrealstic idea to think that Australia can progress to round of 16. Many teams in the last WC went through with 1-1-1 record. If you assume that Brazil will be undefeated in the group, then all Australia need to do is pick up a win and graft out a draw in the other game to be in with a chance on goal difference. Should any team pick up a point against Brazil, that messes up the whole equation - unless it's Australia!

Posted by: EsEm on May 12, 2006 1:59 PM

Well done to Ante Covic for making the squad. An underated goalkeeper who has been doing well in Sweden for many years ! Well done mate from all your mates from the Hurstville ZSC club !

Posted by: Tony on May 12, 2006 2:01 PM

Let's face it Australian's love a sporting spectical. That is why the world cup will rate well here.

However, no one actually cares about soccer. Incidentally soccer is not the oldest code. Both Rugby and Australian Rules are older.

This is because the first time picking up the ball was banned in soccer was in 1881 when the federation rules were created. Prior to this under the Cambridge Rules it was allowed. The William Webb-Ellis story is a myth.

On that basis other codes should have the first right to the use of the term football.

Posted by: Nyb on May 12, 2006 2:24 PM

It doesn't really matter who is in the squad. I would be very surprised if Australia wins,or even draws one of their first round games. All we are doing is keeping a team out of the final 32, who may be able to win a game.
Who cares anyway, about this girls game for petulant prima donnas.

Posted by: Gary Sinden on May 12, 2006 2:27 PM

Just read gary sinden and nyb. thanks guys no i know soccer is a far more intelligent sport and i'm glad my kids play. you boof heads can have your nrl and arl.
i'll be cheering socceroos all the way because we will be in there with a chance.

Posted by: missfreelove69 on May 12, 2006 2:39 PM

Let me give u some important stats, the most junior played sport in Australia is football(Soccer) and the most popular code of team sport in the world is football. It is played in every nation on this planet , therefore to qualify for the world cup every nation has to go a tough campaign to reach it's pinnacle, unlike other codes of Football where only a few nations compete and deem to have a world cup.

The World Cup is the most watched team event Globally, so someone must care!!

Gary go and live on Mars where u belong and play with your own balls...u Tosser!!

Posted by: Enz on May 12, 2006 2:47 PM

I have to agree with Gary. No one in Australia really cares about the soccer. I certainly dont. Lets be honest - we will be only playing 3 games - and then going home.

As a nation we should only focus on a couple of football codes - AFL and Rugby.

Sorry for being so blunt - buts let face it - soccer is rightfully a niche spectator sport.

Posted by: dirk on May 12, 2006 2:52 PM

It is starange that people of other codes are comentting on samthing that they have not understanding?
It is puzzle me why? Maybe they are worried so much that these football code make them not important some day?
They prove only how stupid they are and how worried they are.
Hudink have done good mix with the squad.
He mixed exeperienced players and playeres for future.
Does not matter how we will go, because we are in though group and be in next round will be Huge achivement. Let wish them all the best and time will judge the choice.

Posted by: footballlover on May 12, 2006 2:57 PM

Interesting that none of you guys addressed the fact that Aussie Rules and Rugby are older than soccer. Rugby league is not, but who cares about that boofhead code. BTW why do soccer players have to fake injuries the whole time, it really puts me off watching it.

Posted by: NYB on May 12, 2006 3:04 PM

Dirk,

express shuttle leaving for Mars..

Posted by: ENZ on May 12, 2006 3:06 PM

Dirk, Gary
and any other Tom, Dick, or Harry
(ha it rhymed!)
who is not interested in football.
The real football.

It's simple. Don't post on this blog.

It is not a blog about who likes no-necks playing boofball with one game bans for head first paraplegic inducing tackles (oh. wish I could be that tough).

Its for Aussie football fanatics!! Oi Oi Oi! GO Australia!
All you with the negative comments about the team! You weren't live at the Uruguay match or else you'd be screaming your guts out getting behind the boys!
Go Australia!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: tsiklas on May 12, 2006 3:09 PM

Brazil- allow me to refresh your memory on two fronts. 1) Last time Australia played Brazil, we slapped you down 1-0.

2) Regarding home and away matches against Uruguay as the sole deciding factor to make a world cup- I.E- Australia's task both to qualify this time and the last. We beat them this time and lost out last time.

Now- If we took Brazil's two matches against Uruguay, both to qualify for this world cup and the last one...Brazil wouldn't have been there either time. That's right....you prima donnas haven't beaten Uruguay in world cup qualifying for ages..certainly not in 2001 or 2005. The difference is you get a bloated EIGHTEEN match qualifying series to come in the top 5 out of 10 in your confederation. If your only criteria was the single home and away tie against another strong team (such as Uruguay)....Brazil would have missed a lot more world cups. Now that Australia has the same benefit of a proper qualifying series (to come in the top 5 in Asia in order to qualify..5th gets a playoff)...you will see us make every world cup from now on.

Australia will make it past its group. Watch for Bresciano to open the scoring against Japan.

Posted by: stephano on May 12, 2006 3:14 PM

OK Nyb, I think youve got something there. So the Rugby codes are older than Soccer and therefore are the real Football; and all those who call soccer football stole it from rugby. You've conviced me. Now all we gotta do is convince another 6,215,315,476 people in the world do drop this abusive practice (the number of people in the world minus U.S. and Australia) and we'll be laughing. Pity the older code of rugby never succeeded as well as football, oops...soccer cause we could save ourselves all the trouble of renaming the code!

Posted by: pbedo on May 12, 2006 3:19 PM

Let's face it Australian's love a sporting spectical. That is why the world cup will rate well here.

However, no one actually cares about soccer. Incidentally soccer is not the oldest code. Both Rugby and Australian Rules are older.

This is because the first time picking up the ball was banned in soccer was in 1881 when the federation rules were created. Prior to this under the Cambridge Rules it was allowed. The William Webb-Ellis story is a myth.

On that basis other codes should have the first right to the use of the term football.

Posted by: Nyb on May 12, 2006 3:24 PM

Dirk, you poor unfortunate buffoon.

Arguments about the relevance of football versus AFL/NRL in Australia can be settled by cold hard facts.

The market rules. It doesn't shell out $120 million in a tv rights deal for something that nobody is interested in. Are you aware of the very high viewing figures foxsports registered for the A-league's inaugural season?

More kids play it than anything else by far in this country. They haven't had a stable domestic league to aspire to...but that is now changing.

Asian champions league. The top Australian sides will play the top Asian sides from 2007 on....corporate dollars flowing from big Japanese/Korean/Chinese firms.

Football is basically the sporting face of globalisation....EVERY country plays it, loves it.

You can shudder in your insular hovel and yearn for Ray Warren's absurd howling all you like, but football will keep growing here. Australia playing in every world cup in the future (thanks to a fairer qualification path through Asia) is yet another catalyst.

Incidentally- I love AFL too. I see no reason why the big codes can't co-exist.

Posted by: stephano on May 12, 2006 3:25 PM

Pbedo

Actually rugby league is not older than soccer, but Aussie Rules and Rugby are.

As for popularity smoking was at one time very popular so were gladatorial sports and all sorts of other things. Doesn't mean that they are any good.

The only justification of the validity of soccer I ever hear is its popularity.

As I said before it would be more watchable if there wasn't so much planned choreography with respect to players falling on the ground with 'injuries' they cannot possibly have sustained.

Also if it is such a good game why don't people concentrate on watching it instead of singing, dancing and beating each other up. You don't see that in other codes because the game is more interesting

Posted by: Nyb on May 12, 2006 3:31 PM

To those people who think no one cares about soccer (I choose to call it soccer so that the morons can differentiate it from the other 3 football codes in this country).....

1. How many people cared when Australia won the rugby world cup in 1999??

2. How many people cared when Australia won over 200 medals at the Commonwealth Games????

3. How many countries is AFL played in????

I enjoy watching AFL, NRL and the A-League..... I have no problem with them but when people start questioning the care factor about the biggest sporting event on earth (Olympic Games are 2nd) then those people have no idea.

Btw, I must say that I was "devastated" when Australia lost the rugby world cup in 2003... NOT!!!! Do you actually have to qualify for that tournament??!??! It's not even a challenge.....

AFL has no international game but at least it doesn't pretend that it needs one. It is an Australian game played in Australia.

The FIFA World Cup - the only world cup in world sport.

All other world cups are a joke (cricket, rugby, rugby league).

Posted by: Rocco on May 12, 2006 3:35 PM

One thing you soccer people are missing is that if Australia cared about soccer, we would do very well in the world cup as we do in all other sports.

They have been saying for 20 years that soccer is the most popular game at youth level etc etc, but that is never converted into crowd numbers or talent.

If you enjoy it watch it, but don't expect us to do well because it is a minority sport so we don't necessarily have the best pool of talent to pick from.

BTW NYB is right about the history of the football codes.

Posted by: Greg on May 12, 2006 3:37 PM

Dirk, if you don't care about "soccer" why are you bothering to post on this blog? Get back in your hole you troglodyte!

Posted by: felix on May 12, 2006 3:39 PM

Stephano

Re tv rights, contrast the $120 million with the $1 billion spent on AFL. Look also at the times they are telecast. Have you ever seen a tv station put soccer on instead of AFL or NRL or rugby?

Posted by: Peter on May 12, 2006 3:41 PM

NYB,

your intellectual crap bores me , "Be here Now" Football (Soccer) is the code that rules this planet for centuries to come, therefore your space shuttle to Mars is departing...

Posted by: ENZ on May 12, 2006 3:48 PM

Stephano:

I love the Socceroos, don't get me wrong. But I think it's useless arguing whether Socceroos have it in them to beat Brazil.

We did win last time, but in that game, did the Brazilian stars Ronaldinho, Kaka, Adriano, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Lucio, Cafu etc. play as a team? No.

Our best bet is still the Croatia game. Since we'll beat Japan to a pulp. Fingers crossed anyway.

Posted by: J on May 12, 2006 4:02 PM

It's totally useless comparing REAL football to AFL. Where's the glory in being macho and strong, when there's no brain power involved?

REAL football is played by people who actually use their brains, rather than with their fists.

Football is not the world game for nothing.

Posted by: J on May 12, 2006 4:05 PM

I'm not sure why people wish to embarrass themselves by comparing their tiny minority codes with soccer. After a hundred years or so it's obvious their sports don't have any appeal while the World Cup is bigger than the Olympics.

The total viewing audience for the World Cup qualifier was 8.5 million in Australia if you include all the pubs, clubs, town squares etc. That's double the average for an AFL or NRL Grand Final. Aussies don't care about soccer?

Posted by: Larry on May 12, 2006 4:07 PM

J

Why do you say that soccer is more intellectual than AFL. I personally know a doctor, a lawyer and a stockbroker and a couple of other uni graduates who have played Aussie Rules at the top level (AFL).

In addition, many rugby (not league) players are very highly educated, rugby has a history of that. Soccer does not generally attract very bright people.

Also if soccer is such an intellectual sport then how come it attracts such hooliganism.

Incidentally, it is illegal to use your fists for anything other than punching the ball in Aussie rules.

Posted by: SJ on May 12, 2006 4:16 PM

People who saw Ljubo on a Champs League highlights package from 5 months ago are a great judge to call for his inclusion in the squad. How many of the Sterjovski baggers have actuallt seen a Basel match this year? None? Thought so.
This is a good squad for a small footballing nation as ourselves and the Dutch master has more football knowledge in hin pinky than we all have combined. It is a tough group for us but apart from Brazil there are some weaknesses. FIFA rankings are a farce (see USA), and Japan may struggle to perform in Europe. Croatia are either brilliant or terrible, if we get them on the right day we may get through.
Fact is, we are there on the world stage, in the biggest show there is. We should all be very proud and enjoy it. I for one, will be happy if we score a goal and get a point. But I won't be suprised if we upset a couple of fancied nations on the way.
C'mon Aussie and Hup Holland!!!

Posted by: Hutcho on May 12, 2006 4:21 PM

SJ - For your answer please take a good look at the crowd at a Port Adelaide v Collingwood game :)

Posted by: Hutcho on May 12, 2006 4:23 PM

Larry leaving all emotion aside, you are kidding yourself if you think that soccer is more popular than Aussie rules in Australia.

Who cares what the rest of the world are doing. Soccer is not the most popular code in Australia, it never will be, we live in Australia. Saying soccer is better because it is played by more people in the world is like saying English is the best language because it is spoken by people all around the world (sometimes in preference to their own local language). This is quite analogous to the soccer local code argument.

Are you suggesting that the other languages are not as good because they are not spoken by as many people. I know French sounds better than English and is easy to pick up with.

Posted by: NYB on May 12, 2006 4:31 PM

Lets get one thing straight: intellect has little to do with anything when enjoying a sport. Its more to do with following and understanding the code and getting 'into it'. Football is not necessarily a better sport simply because the bulk of the world plays it but because it is more challenging and more inclusive of many other cultures.

Posted by: pbedo on May 12, 2006 4:38 PM

Pbedo, if soccer is so inclusive then why has it resulted in a litiny of hate crimes such as stabbings of other fans, bashings, racial abuse etc. No one can call that inclusive.

Who says it is more challenging? Have you played all the football codes?

Posted by: NYB on May 12, 2006 4:48 PM

It amazes me that some people want to try and use this forum to try to rubbish and discredit football/soccer. Get with reality people. You are obviously very narrow mided and have not lived outside Australia or the US.

I recently spent 3 years living in the UK. Before i left i was a rugby league fanatic with a lukewarm interest in soccer. My time away made me realise that soccer is so far ahead of other sports in the rest of the world it is not funny. Winning one game in the world cup will give this country more exposure for its sporting prowess than coming 4th on an olympic games medal table ever will.

There is no reason why all the big sporting codes can't co-exist well in Australia. Soccer has always been the biggest sport at junior level and now this is starting to be replicated at professional level.

However, i can understand why Union supporters may be threatened, as their sport has the most to lose. It is very poor at grass roots level and is followed at a professional level mainly by bandwagon jumpers and the "upper class".

Posted by: azza on May 12, 2006 4:51 PM

NYB, I didn't say Soccer was more popular in Australia than the other codes. You can't argue with the ratings figures though. There are an awful lot of Australians who care about soccer and want our country to be a force on the World's biggest sporting stage. If you prefer playing with yourself that's fine.
Also, the fact that soccer is so hugely popular around the world proves that it has massive appeal while the local codes can't even convert half our tiny little country let alone anybody else.
Me thinks you're starting to get a bit worried about soccer finally taking off here.

Posted by: Larry on May 12, 2006 4:58 PM

'One thing you soccer people are missing is that if Australia cared about soccer, we would do very well in the world cup as we do in all other sports.'- Greg the twat

How about we rephrase that Greg...
AUSTRALIA ONLY DOES WELL IN OTHER WORLD CUPS BECAUSE THEY ARE INSIGNIFICANT SPORTS NOBODY CARES ABOUT. In the real World Cup NO teams are there to make up the numbers. One of the best strikers in the world, Samuel Eto'o, won't be there. His Nation didn't qualify. It is extremely competetive.

'In addition, many rugby (not league) players are very highly educated, rugby has a history of that. Soccer does not generally attract very bright people.'
Complete hersay. Nothing to back that up. According to your reasoning... I currently study law, my garbage man likes Rugby League. Thus smarter people like football.

'Also if soccer is such an intellectual sport then how come it attracts such hooliganism.'
Thousands of games are played every weekend worldwide with no incidents. Yet if one occurs, the media are all over it. Competely exagerated.
At least football has fans who sing, cheer and have a rich culture of supporting. Rather that than fans who gently applaud and don't want to make a scene a.k.a Afl/League fans.

Doesn't this just show the myopic, insular attitudes of a few 'fans' of other sports that they are so insecure, they feel they need to come on here and attack the greatest sport and sporting event on Earth. Pathetic.

Posted by: OnlyOneWorldCup on May 12, 2006 5:00 PM

NYB, I'm thinking more of the bigger picture. There are more countries to compete with (more challenging) ; it includes more countries (more inclusive). People get heated up in many various conditions and comit crime, not just because of football or indeed any other tribal sport.

Posted by: pbedo on May 12, 2006 5:04 PM

You What? some of you people can't be serious! Who cares which sport is better! I don't need someone to tell me what I should and shouldn't like or the ridiculese arguement of which is more violent. Keep your narrow minded predujices to yourself and answer the question.
Yes, I think we can get to the 2nd round. As I believe there is little between Japan, Crotia and Australia, but still incredibly tough. Also, we have something that I think can help us, 32 years of exclusion in the tournament with a desperate need to prove ourselves.
I reckon the squad basically picked itself with the exception of a few, should be great. C'mon Socceroos!

Posted by: Jay on May 12, 2006 5:09 PM

Larry

Just to put you on the right track, Aussie rules is played as the number one code in Vic, Tas, SA, WA, NT shares top billing in the ACT and is popular in NSW and QLD. That is more than half the country.

In addition aussie rules is played in Asia.

Soccer has spread internationally because European countries are so close to each other they can easily compete, South America was settled by the Spanish and again the continent contains a lot of neighbours, same for Africa.

I am not fearful of soccer taking over in Australia because that will never happen. Aussie rules has never been more popular, league is on the rise again.

Posted by: Nyb on May 12, 2006 5:09 PM

Hey Rich, you're a joke. Where are you? Sitting on your couch making useless comments, or maybe in Norway trying to get some play time?? Sterjovski is living your dream- and well deserved too just like all the players in the team.

Posted by: Monica on May 12, 2006 5:17 PM

Who cares about the whingers?

The World Cup is on and Australia is there

Bye Bye Iran
Bye Bye Uruguay
Bye Bye AFL, Thugby, Cricket

C'mon Aussie!!!!

Posted by: tsiklas on May 12, 2006 5:32 PM

I'm as patriotic as the next bloke, but I'm also a realist. Australia's chances of getting through the group stage are slim at best, anyone who bothered to remove their rose coloured glasses would agree. The technical level and experience of teams like Croatia and Brazil is far above our humble socceroos..

Good luck against Japan, it's probably the only chance of picking up points at the WC.

Posted by: call me a pessimist on May 12, 2006 5:33 PM

OnlyOneWorldCup I am not studying law, but I am a lawyer. Let's face it law is not that hard a degree. I thought my arts degree was harder.

Posted by: Greg on May 12, 2006 5:51 PM

the fact that we're having a discussion with these guys shows that we're too intelligent

Posted by: tsiklas on May 12, 2006 5:54 PM

OnlyOneWorldCup I am not studying law, but I am a lawyer. Let's face it law is not that hard a degree. I thought my arts degree was harder.

Posted by: Greg on May 12, 2006 6:22 PM

All the Rugby U and Rugby L backers who criticise football (why do you call a game you play essentially with your hands 'football' - shouldn't be handball) should face the reality. That is, you are genuinely fearful that the game that the world loves can't be held back in this country - not even by your small and petty-minded views as to the validity of your 'handball' codes.

Face it, the force of the real football can't be denied.

Posted by: Andy on May 12, 2006 6:38 PM

NYB, i think that you should really start primary school again. Soccer is the most watched and supported game in the world. It is much more followed then by AFL, League or union. You are disgraceful to insult more then two billion people in this world that truly call soccer the beautiful game.

Posted by: Tim on May 12, 2006 9:06 PM

Couple of facts for the minority bunch: 1. Rugby was born from a game of football (round ball, played with the feet - find that odd myself, that ball games played with the hands are referred to as football. Intellect?) in the town of Rugby, when during the game someone picked up the ball and ran with it.
2. Aussie Rules developed from... hang on, oh yeah, don't know, and like the rest of the people on the planet, yes, no ethnocentrism here, couldn't give a shit!
Personally I'm really happy for Mark Milligan. He's a great talent, and I hope he stays in the A-leauge, for a few years at least. We should be reasonably confident. We're constantly gainging strength and we've got one of the best coaches in the world. We'll be right mates!
E voce Brazil - nao seja tao arrogante meu amigo. Voces ainda poderiam receber uma sorpressa desgostosa da gente! A gente se ve la! Go Aussie!

Posted by: Australioca on May 12, 2006 9:08 PM

It really is time to stop the optimism but Australia will not - and I'd bet my soul on this - are not going to win World Cup. At best will get out of qualifying stages. Meaningless friendly games in past (e.g re England) do not count for anything. Australia has a number of decent players but none of them are really top notch. Australia to beat Brazil in a competitive match? I'd like to see it but not in God's lifetime. Sorry.

[Editor's note: Australia did beat Brazil at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Korea in 2001 - it was a 1-0 defeat in the third place play-off]

Posted by: Robert Balmain on May 12, 2006 9:36 PM

It appears that the people making comment after comment about which sport is better and more popular are the really unintelligent ones. If they did not notice, the purpose of the blog was to discuss the socceroo team for the world cup and not trying to try and prove their points.

Posted by: tunk on May 12, 2006 10:01 PM

Gents,

what a shame this forum has degenerated into the typical 'Aussie football-lover trying to defend their game against the Aussie football hater' debate. ZZZZZZZZZ we've all heard and said it all dozens of times before. I was just thinking what a pleasure it was to have a blog about the selection, tactics and opposition of an Australian football team as any sporting discussion should be. The fact is muppets like Nyb et al have an inferiority complex and arguing against them and being defensive only empowers them. Lets eschew these tired arguments, ignore the nay-sayers and talk about the team and opposition again.

BTW, Zico is in the media here in Japan saying he thinks he'll get sacked mid-competition if they get beaten by Australia....they are dead set struggling and we WILL beat them.

Posted by: Bevan on May 13, 2006 12:22 AM

It's all about educating the ignorant. Please consider :
35 years ago.....
- most people drank tea, hardly anyone drank coffee;
- people ate steak and three veg, meat pies, chiko rolls, not calamari, pizza, paella, thai food;
- people drank beer, wine was restricted to Orlando Coolibah casks and drank mainly by women;
- fashion consisted of king gees and flannelette shirts, not Armani,Dolce & Gabbana ;
- we didn't travel much, now we travel the world;
- we only spoke English and now we are learning many other languages

Eventually even the most ignorant (NYB)will become educated and the same will happen with football in Australia.
Bye the way NYB what do you drink, eat etc

Posted by: Ignorance on May 13, 2006 1:07 AM

NYB, Perhaps you could try and explain the reason why AFL, Rugby League, Rugby Union and Cricket are only played by a handful of nations and why Football is played in virtually every country in the world. Football is the world sport for a reason. Watch a few games during the World Cup and then watch a game of the NRL where a forward runs into another player and falls to the ground and stands up and then they do that again. Sorry to say, I was brought up watching Rugby League. But I have to force myself to watch it now. Boring!!!!!

Posted by: EsEm on May 13, 2006 3:21 AM

J:

Fair call- I was referring to our Confeds cup victory over Brazil in 2001 (we beat France in that tournament too, just quietly...but lost to Japan!)

But- I agree- it's a massive ask to see them taking down the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo et al.

Still- I think there's a cultural cringe/ignorance aspect creeping in with some of the posters who give Australia no chance. The whole "we haven't qualified for 32 years" thing is also largely a result of our harsh qualification route (single playoff lottery rather than proper series), rather than a lack of quality. Finishing second and third in two confeds cups is not to be sniffed at. If we look at our team:

In Kewell and Viduka we have two players who are top class.The person who bagged Viduka based on his poor display in the Uefa cup final has obviously not watched him play when he's on song. His link-up play with Bresciano is outstanding.

Bresciano and Grella in the middle of the park are top notch..Bresciano, goal-scorer and creator, is superb and, along with Fabio Simplicio, was the driving force behind Parma's late surge up the serie A table this season. Cahill has shown his goal-poaching prowess in the EPL, Aloisi has smacked in a lazy 10 goals this season for a struggling Alaves side in La Liga, Craig Moore is a great defender (anyone notice Newcastle's clean sheets coinciding with his extended run in the team after finally beating injury?)

Jason Culina was snapped up by PSV (who have just won the Dutch title again) because he scored 15 or so goals for Twente Enschede the season before (he's playing a more defensive role at PSV), Scott Chipperfield is a mainstay at Basle ( who are more than just Swiss champions...they have decent European pedigree too) and is capable of special things occasionally (anyone remember his equaliser against South Africa? 30 yard scorching volley)

I could ramble on....the point is we have tough, experienced, skillful players from the top leagues. We also have one of the best managers in the world.

We have weaknesses, of course...lack of depth for sure- a few injuries and the quality falls away. Technical prowess, whilst good, is not up there with the elite nations.

But talk of hoping to just score/happy just to be there is silly. All bias aside- Japan and Croatia are certainly no better than Australia. It's a matter of who puts it together on the day!

Posted by: stephano on May 13, 2006 11:51 AM

Australia playing any sport at the top level will attract the support of any true blooded australian. To beat the europeans and south americans at their own game will be one of the defining moments for australia as a nation.

Unfortunately the game itself, or more correctly, the way the game is played makes me cringe. Sure there is ample showings of high skill but rarely do you see any courage, mateship or back to the wall fighting spirit. For those who have played in a team sport that plays for each other requiring athleticism as well as skill will always see "soccer" as a good warm up or training game.

Posted by: dungus on May 13, 2006 12:39 PM

stephano,

The market rules...

Aussie TV Rights:

Soccer $17 million per year
NRL $80 million per year
AFL $156 million per year

Posted by: tadeusz on May 13, 2006 1:12 PM

Hey do we Football supporters laugh at the other codes' World Cups? No!we don't! we just support Australia and hope they win (eventhough it is laughable how they make up the numbers by asking every man and his dog to take part to make the numbers)

So, you football haters out there...either start backing us up and support Australia in the only true football world cup...or simply get lost to your own narrow codes who no one has ever heard of outside your redneck suburbs...

Posted by: bobomjon on May 13, 2006 1:19 PM

Why is Australia even in this world cup? Two words for you. Harry Kewell.

Posted by: Lex Steele on May 13, 2006 2:00 PM

tadeusz:
I wasn't comparing the rights deals.
Obviously the other codes have bigger deals- they are established mainstream sports. I was answering those who were saying nobody likes football (soccer) in Australia. The money is undeniable proof. $120 million is unprecedented for football in this country- Foxsports based this deal on the viewer figures they got for the first season of the A-league.

Still- I reckon it's a matter of time before it DOES become as commercially attractive as AFL...and thus command proportionate TV deals. (Australia will be playing so many more internationals now..Asian cup qualifiers as well as WC qualifiers etc.

I also agree with those who've said "let's stick to the topic!" (IE- Let's go Socceroos in Kranskyland!)
Ja vol!

Posted by: stephano on May 13, 2006 3:31 PM

I don't know why and understand with the much hype with AFL and NRL.
The hype is with next months World Cup and for the 1st time in my life I am going to see my country, Australia!
Our participation in the World Cup is going to make this sport the biggest in Australia and better world wide recognition as a REAL football nation!
Pffttt to AFL and NRL!

Only one message I have to the AIS, its time to invest more in this sport than compared to the AFL and NRL as there is hardly any world wide recognition of the sport.

Go the Socceroos!

Posted by: Grant on May 13, 2006 3:54 PM

Hey Greg,

You wrote "One thing you soccer people are missing is that if Australia cared about soccer, we would do very well in the world cup as we do in all other sports." The only reason we do very well in the team sports we play is because hardly any countries plays them!

Posted by: lovemonkey on May 13, 2006 4:02 PM

Against Brazil, our players at the back need to stay bit more back and certainly a couple of more players at the back. I think our strategies should be to let them make short passes. In that case there are more chances of Brazilians making mistakes. Well, what I mean is if we force them to make errors by forcing them to play short passes, we could make some counter attacks.

Why don't we focus more on world cup - our players, strategies, the teams against us and our chances instead of replying to football haters? Guys, I wanna hear more about Australian football at this world cup.

Posted by: Roger on May 13, 2006 4:22 PM

first of all, what's going on with the mediator here? most of these blogs are about which sport is more popular or has the larger tv deals, i thought the topic was can the aussies progress to the knockout stages of the wc, to which i say yes based mainly on the fact that we do have enough talent & tactical discipline ( if we don't get stage fright ) to take points off both brazil & croatia which leaves us to beat japan, not a guaranteed result but obviously the tie in our group where we have the best chance of 3 points.i believe that brazil will probably win all 3 games, most difficult on paper should be croatia for them but we should fancy ourselves for an heroic draw! but hopefully this will not drain us for the croatia game where we will need to take at least a point if we beat japan to give us a chance of second place depending upon results from the other games. all going really well croatia & oz may well finish on equal points, 4 or 5 depending on results & therefore it will come down to goal difference so possibly the most crucial matches will be the two fixtures against japan & brazil because oz vs croatia is our last game & of course we'd like a clearer picture before then.in the event of equal points the order of choosing who progresses is goal difference, goals for so whilst scoring lots is good we need to concede fewer so it doesn't get that far into the equation! so all in all yes i do think we can progress but our party should end there because the next round would see us face either italy or the czech republic, or ghana so although none of these teams should hold anymore threat than croatia or brazil, there are no second chances.

Posted by: damos_x on May 13, 2006 6:25 PM

To the previous person who compared the size of the contracts between Football, AFL & League.
Please keep in mind that the other two "pretend" Football codes have been around for 100 years or so.
The A-League has only been around for less than a year.....hate to see the size of the contract in 10 years time...let alone 100.
Go u FootballRoos !!!

Posted by: Manny on May 13, 2006 6:49 PM

I only hope for the team to play good, accurate 2-touch football. No hope in hell in taking any points from any game if they don't do this. If we resort to the 'hail-Mary' long ball because of a collapse in midfield, it'll be embarassing... and Viduka will be made to look like a chump. Play it to his feet. He's still got some magic.

Also, I truly hope they leave the silly fouls out of their game. Another pet annoyance of mine.

On a real positive note, it's quite strange to be seeing an Aussie team with a glut of real quality attacking midfielders and forwards. I'm afraid I'm just not used to seeing it ;-)

At least we're a better chance of slotting some home than ever before. That's got to be good for our chances right?

Best of luck lads!

Posted by: Dom on May 13, 2006 10:44 PM

I am watching the FA cup final....Kewell just limped off...
Lets hope it is nothing serious.

Posted by: Max on May 14, 2006 1:17 AM

Again and Again ww have those from other codes of so call"football" to try put down Soccer (real football).
Do thet scared?
To Tadeusz - if market is "rule" then show me any rugby/AFL/Union palyer making 100,000 AUD per week.
Then we will give you list long this page of Australian playing football maybe now in Europe.
Go to bed and watch NRL/AFL and give us break

Posted by: real-football-fan on May 14, 2006 2:47 PM

If you like soccer so much why don't you move to a country where it is their number one sport, e.g. either a european country or a 3rd world country. It makes me laugh when people say soccer will take over in this country, I mean Australians have seen the game for the last 200 odd years but it hasn't caught on here because have better codes of football. If you want to talk about money in sports, then American sports crap all over soccer players. So are Basketball, Baseball and American Football the world's best?

Posted by: G-man on May 14, 2006 8:23 PM

First off the squad selection shouldn't be controversial, it is a great squad and there can be few gripes about it.
Secondly it is sad to see so much anger resentement against our boys; an Australian sporting team. I love Cricket, follow rugby and hold nothing against AFL and regardless of the sport I will always back our team. It isn't a matter of cricket OR football, but cricket AND football.
The only thing that makes me sigh about league is that the commentry is so over the top it has lost all meaning. When the commentators are trying to sell a nothing game they cheapen the truly interesting ones. However, you reap what you sow, so why is it on the decline?
Also, I think the exposure our team and our country are going to get out of this sport will far exceed any expectations. Having traveled to alot I have had to endure many conversations about koalas, kangaroos, sharks and crocodiles. Soon I think I will have to add Kewell's left boot to that.
If all the other codes are so great, then they won't feel threatened or insecure about supporting an Aussie team. So get with the program and back our boys. Go Aussie Go!

Posted by: Gary on May 14, 2006 10:21 PM

Yes, we are the best at our football codes, which are better. Only we know this, because we rule. The fact that most other countries don't care about them is because they are third world.
Good one.

Posted by: Jon on May 14, 2006 11:21 PM

Oh. G-man.
I'd give you money to go buy yourself a clue, but you'd still come back with NFI.

Posted by: Knid on May 14, 2006 11:53 PM

Stephano: I totally hear you, man. We could do with a lot more passionate fans like you, that's for sure. I am also sick and tired of the MINORITY of uncivilised people who haven't the decency to support their fellow Aussies in the World Cup. But to be fair, that's their loss, not ours.
Go the Socceroos!

Posted by: J on May 14, 2006 11:55 PM

G-man - wake up to the reality. REAL football is preferred by parents and kids these days, over warmongering brain-cell-deficient fist-reliant AFL.
The A-League syndication + the Socceroos' playing at the World Cup finals, will change things clearly, not in your favour.
Real football has arrived and will prosper in Australia. It's about time too, we've been the laughing stock of the world for so long, in being so late to recognise the ONLY world game.
But the time has come. AFL - go jump.

Posted by: J on May 14, 2006 11:59 PM

more junior kids play soccer than all the other football codes combined.
it's already taken over. Soccer is already the #1 sport in australia. The very fact that it can be so strong whilst the professional league in australia is so weak, surely just adds to how attractive as a sport it must be to attract so many players.
Not taking anything away from the other codes in australia however. I enjoy all sports.
back to topic, i believe the socceroos will surprise many and perform very well in the world cup.

Posted by: chris on May 15, 2006 12:15 AM

Kewell will be alright for WC

Posted by: Socceroo on May 15, 2006 12:58 AM

hi dudes all this stuff is old shit!!!!!
i love and play all sport! its a contest between opposition within the confines of the rules
if its good its good it doesnt matter which code!
go the green and gold
patrick

Posted by: patrick regan on May 15, 2006 11:07 PM

I think Guus is the best thing to happen to Aussie soccer. No-one can diss his selected team. What a champion. I love you Guus!

Posted by: Max Payne on May 16, 2006 12:21 AM

Had to laugh at G-man's comments. I grew up in an Aussie Rules mad city (Perth), played that game as well as football (ie. "soccer" for the less informed) and cricket. Also grew up withe all the idiotic "wog's game", "poof's sports"...etc. Of course, that was mostly from kids. So how old are you mate?

Funny enough, it was only those who played other sports who seemed to make a big deal of derogatory comments about football. Football players seemed to find it satisfying enough simply to enjoy the sport for the most part.

And in my case to enjoy a variety of sports. They each have their strength and weaknesses. They are all enjoyable in their own way.

I also find it funny (I'm being kind) that those same folks who can say that a game that can finish in a 0-0 draw must be boring, can still enjoy a 5 day cricket test that also finishes in a draw. I don't think intelligence or logic is a strong point of these folk.

Anyway, those who can't appreciate the game, it's their loss, not ours. Meanwhile I'll be enjoying a month of the biggest party in the world at the biggest sporting event in the world in Germany. I'll give you a wave!

Posted by: Dave on May 16, 2006 5:08 AM

A lot of people here seem to have extreme views on both sides. Football is the global game like it or not, AFL, NRL .... they will always be popular in Australia.

Also to some who say that there are very few instances of mateship or courage, maybe you aren't watching the right games. For instance the FA cup and last years champ league final, i think steven gerrard proved in both of those games he is the epitamy of courage. Players live their lives to play in the world cup and represent their countries and quite often play with their hearts on their sleave. Gazza's tears at 90 is just one example. Everyone would do a lot better just supporting the team rather then fighting on this board. If you don't like football thats fine why are you on a football discussion board??

Posted by: David on May 16, 2006 6:24 AM

Really worried about Kewell...even if he does recover what's to say it won't tear again in the first half of the first game. All I know is he'll give 100% of himself whatever happens. Let's hope for the best.

Posted by: verdeoro on May 16, 2006 6:29 AM

Lets face it the only kids who play soccer are the one's who's mums rule the house. It's going to be a sad world when little mummy's boys rule the roost. The only way to increase crowds at soccer games is to open the doors to more immigration as most geuine aussies support AFL or Rugby

Posted by: G-man on May 16, 2006 6:48 AM

I took Japan at $3.30 ...... I'm laughing.

Posted by: Leaugie on May 16, 2006 6:50 AM

G'day fellow supporters,

I was surprised with a couple of the selections/omissions too, but does anyone seriously believe they have more on the ground knowledge than Gus and his team of scouts?

Anyway let's just hope that the boys get rid of any niggling injuries and that we exceed expectations on the world stage. I hope everyone enjoys the cup and that the team they support does well.

I still can't get over how many anti-football/soccer people are bothering with a football discussion board. G-man! Heaps of Aussies like a whole range of sports. What's a 'genuine Aussie' in your opinion anyway? I think supporting your national team (any code) on the world stage is pretty bloody genuine. So there's no need to be a tosser and have a go at people just because they like a game that you don't.

Posted by: Pete A on May 16, 2006 9:57 AM

Thanks G-Man for your valuable xenophobic contributions. I can see that I have a lot of work to do to be cosidered a real Aussie. I need to be much more closed minded and enjoyin spreading hate to be a real Aussie.

Any how back to the football......

Posted by: hutcho on May 16, 2006 10:03 AM

To echo some earlier comments - I think it's great that we're getting some good discussion about the tactics and selection of the Australian Football team. I just hope that the country gets right behind the boys, and that some of the posts here will refer to what "WE" are going to do at the World Cup, rather than what "THEY" are going to do.

We'll need a bit of luck, but I think we're in with a good chance of progressing from the group stage.

Come on lads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: OT on May 16, 2006 11:38 AM

What about Paul Agostino?

He scores virtually every time he plays for the roos.

What does the poor man need to do to get selected!!!

He has to be ahead of any A-league boys.

Posted by: Mark on May 16, 2006 12:58 PM

With a fully fit side on the park I think we can definatley make the second round. We need to really smash Japan, they aren't preforming at the moment. After that, we can lose honorably to brazil and scrape past croatia.
After that, who knows.

Posted by: Jon on May 16, 2006 1:03 PM

Good one, David: "If you don't like football that's fine. why are you on a football discussion board?" Something the soccer bashers should take a minute to ponder.

Posted by: Ramzy on May 16, 2006 1:39 PM

Unlike most people writing in this forum, I am old enough to remember Australia's participation in the last world cup 32 years ago.

I was playing under 13 footy for Parkside in the Footscray District League. I am talking about "real" footy, whose rules were codified in 1859, well before the rules of Association Football. Whose history in this country is of far more significance than that of the "world" game, and likely to remain so for many decades to come.

My memory of that time, apart from Footscray making the finals for the first time in 13 years and then being thrashed by the maggies in the Elimination Final, is that absolutely no one, I mean no one, had the slightest interest in the socceroos and their participation in the World Cup. In the end, they managed an admirable 0-0 result against Chile to earn them their one point for the first round.

What do I feel about the socceroos' chances? If they can earn 2 points from two 0-0 results, they will have exceeded my expectations. How many of you truly understand what the socceroos are up against? Yes, 2 points will mean elimination, but it will actually be a worthy result. Will it be sufficient to topple the dominance of aussie rules nation wide? Of course not? Do you really think that a month of nil all draws will be enough to overturn 150 years of history of our very own game? Do you really think that you will start to see three generations of the same family attending soccer games? (as you regularly do at the aussie rules) Do you think that you will start to see as many women as men attend soccer matches (as currently happens in the aussie rules). We are talking about history and culture here - you have a long time to wait!

Posted by: Pippu d'Angelo on May 16, 2006 1:59 PM

Dom is right in saying 2-touch game and I also agree about what he said on the attacking midfilders. How about adding some spice on it. The attacking midfilders have to dribble a bit and carry on a bit. I wish we could have another "KEWELL THE GREAT" from Right wing. Chipperfield, Cahill and Bresciano would certainly make some efforts. We have a good team to challenge any team ....except Brazil. Desperate to see long range shot turning into golie by Bresciano against Brazil....Cheers

Posted by: Roger on May 16, 2006 5:16 PM

thought the squad shows promise

don't think we'll smash anyone as others have said but i can see us getting favourabe results and with some luck puulling through the group

great to see kennedy and milligan in there

can't wait till kick off

Posted by: td on May 16, 2006 5:39 PM

In Guus we trust.
Clearly, the two weakest elements in this squad are :
- Defence - oh dear.
- general depth - we need to be lucky with injuries and avoid suspensions. Our best eleven is world class, but after that ...

Defence - Moore has been great since coming back to Newcastle - their resurgence followed his return - no coincidence. Neill was best on ground against Uruguay in Sydney, and will lift for the big matches. After that ? Chipperfield, Emerton and Lazaridis can play as defensive flankers if we play 5 or 4 at the back, but the third central defender is a real worry. Vidmar did it against Uruguay - so sorry he won't be in Germany. Popovic looked third-rate against the Uruguayans - he was lucky to catch them as they went past. Would be a liability against any speedy attack like, say, Japan, Brazil or Croatia.

What happens if Moore or Neill gets injured against Japan? Are we going to slot Beauchamp or Milligan into a centre-back role against Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Robinho, Adriano and Kaka? Is NSW Premier League the ideal lead-up to playing Brazil? I'm all for picking players for the experience, but maybe in midfield - our defensive stocks need all the help they can get. I think Milicevic and Kisnorbo were unlucky, especially given Guus stated preference for players playing regularly in top-flight football who can play a number of positions.

Please, Guus, don't let us lose any defenders!

Our depth in midfield is better - we can probably cover the loss of any one player, partly because Culina is so flexible - he can play anywhere in a 3, 4 or 5 man midfield. Grella was enormous against Uruguay. Losing two midfielders, however, could be a real problem. Replacing our best midfielder (Bresc) with our best midfield sub (Skoko) might be ok, but replacing our next best midfielder (Grella) with our next best midfield sub (Wilkshire? Sterjovski?) we start to really lose strength and class

Please, Guus, don't let us lose any midfielders either!

Up front - fine, but again hoping we don't get injury or suspension problems. Guus' 3 man attack is the best Australia have looked in years up-front. Was fantastic against Jamaica, and did the job against Uruguay. Kewell plays better just off Viduka, with Bresc or Cahill as the third man coming forward. Good options with Archie Jackson (although under-done at PSV), and I don't mind the Kennedy option, and if he plays Bundesliga for the next four years, he could be a real asset in South Africa 2010 - and we'll be glad we took him to Germany '06.

But - it's a funny old game, and realistically, you'd be brave to predict the results of any game in the group not featuring Brazil. Croatia is still the crunch game - no good beating Japan and taking a point off Brazil if we lose to Croatia (assuming they have also beaten Japan).

Re the off-topic posting : imagine if Australia concentrated all our football efforts on one code, and that code was The World Game

An AFL match is like a pack of dogs chasing a bone. No style, no skill, no art.
The A-League, Asian participation and now participation in the the greatest sporting event on this planet, the Football World Cup.Real football has arrived in this country!
Go the footyroos!!!!!

Posted by: Footyroo on May 16, 2006 10:29 PM

Good luck to the Aussies. They'll hopefully do the business against Japan and Brazil. Wondering how many of them will be singing Lijepa Nasa on June 22.

Posted by: Mitchor on May 16, 2006 10:31 PM

The media and public here in Japan are terrified of the Socceroos and with good reason. On a Soccer panel show the other day, they played a highlights package of Viduka's, Bresciano's and Kewell's goals with the expert panel at the end shaking their heads and saying things like.....very worrying, scarry etc. They are ripe for the plucking. Zico has NO IDEA how to manage a team or what players to pick. It's the worst manager in the WC vs the best, I know which one I'd want to back.

Our big risk is Kewell's injury. We rely on him so much and have no one to replace him. Keep your fingers crossed for some magic by the physios.

I reckon we start with Beauchamp, Moore and Neil as a back 3. The Japanese and obviously Brazilians are quick and it'll be good to have some youth and pace back there. I haven't seen Beauchamp play much but all reports are good any thoughts on him from A League watchers? Popovic always makes me nervous when he's got a pacy striker near him. Grella and Bresciano are top shelf in the centre, Cullina sitting next to Grella in front of the back 3, Cahill and Kewell supporting Viduka from the flanks. Cahill can play wide right he's used to playing with one striker as Everton always play that way. If we fall behind pull Cullina and put on Aloisi. Fire up lads only 25 sleeps to go!!!!!

Posted by: Bevan on May 17, 2006 1:30 AM

Looks good on paper, now time to look good on the field.
I cant wait for the Brasil game, its a tough one but thats the way us Aussies like it.
Go get them boys and fear nothing.

Posted by: Adam on May 17, 2006 4:04 PM

I put the call out to Guus
Against Brasil
Bring back Charlie Yankos!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: tsiklas on May 17, 2006 4:58 PM

I'm over in the UK for a month and thought I'd catch up on some Aust-ralian sport news; speci-fically Rugby League. Being all thumbs at the computer I tend to navigate more by luck than any-thing else. I was lost somewhere on the SMH website and saw some-thing which said 'football'. It was with great relief I clicked on the word hop-ing to return Wizard-Of-Oz style to my personal Kansas, Rugby League: even Union or AFL would have been acceptable. Imagine my horror at finding myself in the soccer section. Yes, that's right SOCCER. Chalk another one up to the spin-doctor, bullyboy, Fosters-Melbourne-Cup cultural fascists. In France they call London, Laundres; it should at least be Laundperson. In the US they Gridiron, football. In Europe they call two days without rain Summer. In Australia we call the round ball kicky game Soccer. What's wrong with that? It's not quite culture but it will serve untill we develop our own form of Morrisdancing.